Deconstructed Delight: Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup (Easy & Flavorful!)
Cabbage rolls, a beloved comfort food classic, are undeniably delicious. However, the traditional method can be time-consuming and a bit fiddly. That’s where this Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup comes to the rescue! It captures all the heartwarming flavors of classic cabbage rolls – savory ground meat, tender cabbage, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices – in a hearty, easy-to-make soup that’s ready in a fraction of the time. And the best part? The Instant Pot makes it incredibly simple and hands-off.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or anytime you crave a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to suit dietary needs. So, ditch the rolling and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure, unadulterated cabbage roll goodness!
## Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup
* **Effortless:** Forget the tedious process of stuffing and rolling cabbage leaves. This soup is incredibly easy to make with minimal effort.
* **Quick:** The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making it a weeknight winner.
* **Flavorful:** This soup is packed with all the classic flavors of cabbage rolls, from the savory meat to the tangy tomatoes and sweet cabbage.
* **Healthy:** It’s loaded with vegetables and lean protein, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or types of meat.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping and batch cooking.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup:
* **Ground Meat:** 1 pound of ground beef or ground turkey is the most common choice. You can also use ground pork, Italian sausage (removed from its casings), or a combination. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based ground meat substitutes like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger. The key is to choose a ground meat that’s lean enough to avoid excess grease in the soup. If using ground beef with a higher fat content, you may want to drain off some of the excess fat after browning.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped. Yellow onions offer a good balance of sweetness and savory flavor, making them ideal for this soup. White onions can also be used as a substitute. Make sure the onion is finely chopped so that it cooks evenly and integrates well into the soup.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and depth of flavor to the soup. Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can also use pre-minced garlic from a jar in a pinch. Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.
* **Cabbage:** 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded. Green cabbage is the traditional choice for cabbage rolls and works perfectly in this soup. Make sure to remove the outer leaves of the cabbage before shredding. You can shred the cabbage by hand using a sharp knife or mandoline, or you can use a food processor with a shredding attachment. Avoid using red cabbage, as it can discolor the soup.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Diced tomatoes provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor base for the soup. Using undrained tomatoes helps to add moisture and flavor to the soup. You can also use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute, but the texture will be slightly different.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Tomato paste adds richness and intensifies the tomato flavor in the soup. It also helps to thicken the soup slightly. A little goes a long way, so don’t be tempted to add too much.
* **Beef Broth:** 6 cups of beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor). Beef broth provides the liquid base for the soup and adds a savory depth of flavor. Low-sodium beef broth is recommended to control the salt content of the soup. You can also use homemade beef broth for the best flavor. Chicken broth can be used as a lighter alternative.
* **Cooked Rice:** 1 cup of cooked white rice (or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice). Cooked rice adds texture and substance to the soup. White rice is the traditional choice, but brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice can be used as healthier alternatives. Make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the soup, as it will not have enough time to cook in the Instant Pot.
* **Spices:**
* 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients in the soup.
* 1 teaspoon of dried oregano: Dried oregano adds a classic Mediterranean flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme: Dried thyme adds an earthy and slightly lemony flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional): Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the soup. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
* Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your preference.
* **Optional Garnishes:**
* Fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a bright and fresh flavor to the soup.
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy tanginess to the soup.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfect Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup:
1. **Prep the Ingredients:**
* Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
* Shred the cabbage.
* Cook the rice (if you haven’t already). You can use leftover rice or cook a fresh batch while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. **Brown the Meat:**
* Turn on your Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Set it to ‘Normal’ or ‘Medium’ heat.
* Add the ground meat to the Instant Pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If using ground beef with a high fat content, drain off any excess grease.
3. **Sauté Aromatics:**
* Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot with the browned meat. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
4. **Add Remaining Ingredients:**
* Turn off the ‘Sauté’ function.
* Add the shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, beef broth, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. **Pressure Cook:**
* Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position.
* Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time to 10 minutes at high pressure.
6. **Release Pressure:**
* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This will help to prevent the soup from sputtering.
* After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by manually switching the pressure release valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Be careful of the steam!
7. **Stir in Rice and Simmer:**
* Carefully open the Instant Pot and stir in the cooked rice.
* Select the ‘Sauté’ function again and simmer the soup for a few minutes to heat the rice through and allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. **Serve and Garnish:**
* Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. Serve hot.
## Tips and Variations
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, or potatoes. Add them along with the cabbage.
* **Use Different Types of Meat:** As mentioned before, you can use ground turkey, ground pork, Italian sausage, or a combination of meats. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat substitutes.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a spicier soup, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Add a Touch of Sweetness:** For a slightly sweeter soup, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a creamier texture.
* **Use Different Broth:** Chicken broth can be used instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as dill, marjoram, or bay leaf.
* **Low-Carb Option:** Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of the soup.
* **Adjust Thickness:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering. If you want a thinner soup, add more broth.
* **Make it in a Slow Cooker:** If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
## Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
* **Crusty Bread:** For dipping into the soup.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Garlic Bread:** For a more indulgent meal.
* **Cornbread:** A classic pairing with soup.
## Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a little broth or water to thin it out.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
*Note: This is an approximation, and the actual nutritional information may vary based on the specific ingredients used.*
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of classic cabbage rolls without all the fuss.